March 24, 2023
Doors 7:30pm
Show 8pm
$15
Rachel Hickey is an emerging independent singer-songwriter based in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario. Following her 2021 debut EP Getting By, Rachel’s sophomore 2022 EP So Long further evolves her indie/folk sound. The EP was recorded at MKONDO Studios with Ontario producer Brandon Fehderau and has clearly resonated with her audience and critics, earning her coverage in Exclaim! magazine and plays on CBC Radio One. So Long features Ontario-based artists like Marshall Veroni on the lead single “Home” as well as Jessie Gosling and Jessica Spurrell on the track “Call Me”. The release is an evolution from her heartbreak-inspired debut EP and focuses more on the relief of moving forward and letting go, defining her sound further with these four new tracks.
Hickey studied Psychology and English Literature at the University of Waterloo and joined several mixed-voice acapella groups during her time there. Her education and experiences are evident in her compositions, where she skillfully combines thoughtful lyrics and rich vocals that easily connect with listeners. Lyrical themes cover love, loss, mental health, and self-reflection, undercut by direct and honest delivery. Hickey’s immersive writing and strong singing ability allow her to connect with listeners on a deeper personal level and characterizes her meaningful, roots-based sound.
Rachel Hickey’s musical style can be described as folk-focused with a blend of indie, pop, and rock music. It often centers around guitar and incorporates atmospheric supporting tones, strings, and traditional drums. She is a well-rounded musician and multi-instrumentalist, having taught herself guitar as well as recording and production techniques to refine her collection of songs and pursue her career as a solo musician.
Rachel is currently performing live across Ontario in support of her latest EP and is preparing for her debut full-length album The Eve of St. Agnes, due out in 2023.
Kat Steeves is a Canadian singer-songwriter from Guelph, Ontario. I have spent the last few years performing all over Ontario, from Guelph to Toronto to Collingwood with some stops in between.
Music has been a part of my life since I was a kid wandering around singing wherever I went. I kind of made everyone crazy, but it was obvious that this was the direction I was going.
Like most musicians, I started on the piano but wasn’t very interested. I picked up the guitar and fell in love. I picked up the ukulele in the summer of 2019 and it stuck. I would go downtown with my ukulele, mic, and amp and played for hours. I started with my guitar, but people seemed to enjoy the energy of the ukulele more. So, the ukulele stayed. On weekends I would play downtown late into the night. I had really found my happy place. I also even now frequent open mic nights; it’s the best spot to test out new material.
I perform over 150 covers from multiple genres. I pull influence for my own music from other indie/folk artists like Donovan Woods, Dodie Clark, Caamp and The Lumineers. Find me on social media @katsteevesmusic. Check out my voice. get to know me a bit. Feel free to reach out if you want to request a song; I’d love to hear from you.
